The director has to miss the red-carpet festivities because he is recovering from knee surgery.

Unusually, Ridley Scott will be absent from Cannes opening night tomorrow, as Robin Hood has its world premiere. The director has to miss the red-carpet festivities because he is recovering from knee surgery and can’t make the trip.

“It is with the most sincere regret that I am required to miss the opening night of the Cannes Film Festival and the screening of Robin Hood,” Scott said in a statement, issued to Screen by Universal. “I recently underwent knee replacement surgery and my recovery has been slower than I’d hoped. Truly, doctor’s orders are the only thing that could keep me from being there. My disappointment is tempered by the fact that Brian, Russell, Cate and the rest of the cast will be on hand to represent the film. I send them all my best wishes in opening this year’s Festival with our film.”

Cannes festival had no official statement about Scott’s absence.

There will still be a large delegation with the film. Slated to attend are producer Brian Grazer and cast members Russell Crowe, Cate Blanchett, Mark Strong, Oscar Isaac, Max Von Sydow, Alan Doyle, Kevin Durand, Scott Grimes, Matthew Macfadyen, Danny Huston, Lea Sedouyx, Jonathan Zaccai, Pietro Scalia, Arthur Max, John Mathieson, and Janty Yates.